Corps
announces release of Biological Assessment on Missouri River changes

OMAHA - The Corps released today its Biological Assessment (BA)
of the flow changes and physical alterations it is proposing for
the Missouri River's navigation channel and system of reservoirs.
The BA represents the first formal step in a new attempt to resolve
the decades-long dispute over water use, while at the same time
protecting and enhancing wildlife habitat along the river.

"Management
of the reservoir levels and flows of the Missouri River may be the
most contentious watershed management issue in the country today,"
said Brig. Gen. William Grisoli, Northwestern Division Engineer.
"The proposed action in our biological assessment describes physical
and management changes of the river that sustain existing uses while
contributing to the recovery of the listed fish and birds. The Corps
believes the proposed action in this biological assessment provides
the best balance for serving the purposes of the dams and reservoirs
as authorized by Congress, meets the Corps' trust and treaty obligations
to the Tribes, and complies with environmental laws,"

This
document marks the re-initiation of the Corps' consultation with
the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) on the biological impacts
of proposed changes to Missouri River System operation, and is required
by Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act. The purpose of
the BA and the consultation is to allow the USFWS to determine whether
or not the new plan sufficiently protects threatened and endangered
species, including the interior least tern, piping plover, and pallid
sturgeon.

Assuming
receipt of a favorable Biological Opinion from the USFWS,
the Corps will be able to proceed with the development of a Final
Environmental Impact Statement and a new Master Manual to govern
the operation of the river system. The Corps hopes to be
able to release drafts of these documents for public comment early
next year so that the new Master Manual and a 2004 Annual Operating
Plan can be in place by the beginning of the 2004 river operating
year, March 1, 2004.

The
need for a new Master Manual became evident during the drought years
of the 1980's. Drought conservation measures are a
key feature of the proposed action, and include changes that will
begin reducing the amount of water that is released from the reservoirs
earlier during periods of extreme drought. More details on
the drought conservation measures are contained in the Biological
Assessment and will be further explained in the final Environmental
Impact Statement.

The Biological Assessment and additional information are available
on the Northwestern Division website at www.nwd.usace.army.mil
and the "Hot Topics" section of the Corps website at
www.usace.army.mil